On his personal Twitter account, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo announced his retirement from the NFL, effective immediately. He accumulated 215 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and nine fumble recoveries in a 10-year career that ended with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.

Former Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears LB Brendon Ayanbadejo said his teammates smoked marijuana before one of his two Super Bowl appearances, but he did not identify any players. He also didn't say which year the incident took place. "I'm not going to say which Super Bowl it was, but I just remember getting off the elevator one night -- it was early on in the (Super Bowl) week, just to start the week off -- and all of the sudden I just got hit over the head with fumes of marijuana on the entire floor of the hotel that the team was staying on. ... I could just imagine there were a few young guys just toking it up in more than one room."

Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said recently cut LB Brendon Ayanbadejo could be back, and the team has not closed the door on him completely. "As a team, we place a high value on special teams, and Brendon was one of our top performers in that area for the last five seasons," said Newsome in a statement. "He was one of the best special teamers in the league, but he was also a valued member of our defense, especially in our sub (substitute) packages. He became a leader for us, and the door may not be closed to bring him back to help us again."

Updating a previous item, Baltimore Ravens LB Brendon Ayanbadejo issued an apology Monday, Jan. 14, via Twitter, for comments he made regarding the New England Patriots' offense. "I made selfish comments on Twitter last night that reflected poorly upon myself, my teammates, and the organization. For that I apologize," Ayanbadejo said.

Baltimore Ravens LB Brendon Ayanbadejo took a jab at the New England Patriots prior to their showdown in the AFC Championship Game, criticizing their no-huddle offense. "New England does some suspect stuff on offense. Can't really respect it. Comparable to a cheap shot before a fight," Ayanbadejo said via Twitter. Ayanbadejo referred to the Patriots' hurry-up approach as "a gimmick."